Today, between the issues with Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the United States should not have any pending authorization for the use of military force.

Yet there are existing authorizations for the use of military force from 2001 and 2002, obviously dated to other issues than what we have today. Because either the 2001 or the 2002 authorization has been used now by three presidents, both must be ended. Their dates indicate the urgency for these two terminations.

This has nothing to do with partisan vote counts. The world really could stand or fall based on military mistakes made or on actions not taken. It is about the authorization for the use of military force. It is not symbolic. These authorizations completely interfere with needed dialogue, debate and negotiation.

Administrations negotiate. Authorizing force is in the hands of Congress. There is never a good political moment to terminate these documents. The United States must move forward now and following this, it can engage non-militarily with both partner nations and rivals.

Grace Braley
Portland